Lafayette Economic Development Authority CEO Gregg Gothreaux will return to the Cajundome Convention Center on June 19 to deliver his third annual State of the Economy report, which proved to be one of the most talked about business events of 2013.

Gothreaux's presentation will give the audience a first look at LEDA's 2014 Lafayette Economic Performance Index, a dashboard summary that compiles 1,500 data points into 15 key statistics that provide instant insight into the current state of the local economy. Gothreaux's synopsis will provide the comprehensive view that is so important to business decision-makers charting the future of their businesses and Acadiana's opportunities for growth.

Gothreaux will also spotlight regional trends in adjoining parishes that are members of The Acadiana Economic Development Council. The result? The most efficient download of economic performance data available for South Louisiana.

"This event will provide valuable insight into Acadiana's economy, which can help local businesses find opportunities for growth," says Keith Short, Lafayette regional president of Investar Bank, the event's presenting sponsor. "Investar is proud to sponsor the 2014 State of the Economy. Lafayette has become one of the top places to do business and with Investar Bank's passion in its people and relationship focus, we understand that we have to provide robust solutions to meet the needs of the Acadiana community. We feel that our mix of tradition and progressiveness blends well with Lafayette and we wanted to be a part of the local State of the Economy to illustrate our dedication to Lafayette and the local businesses of Acadiana."

Keith Short, Lafayette regional president of Investar Bank

Elisa Davis, an attorney with Turnkey Title & Escrow, one of the event's sustaining sponsors, says the event is vital in projecting what the future holds for Acadiana's business community. "This event brings together players from all economic sectors for an in-depth discussion on where we've been and where we are going," says Davis. "There has been an amazing amount of growth happening in our economy in the past couple of years - with much more on the horizon. Our business directly taps into the growth that is occurring daily in our community. We are honored to be a part of such an event and look forward to what the future holds for us all."

Joining Investar Bank as a presenting sponsor of the event is UBS/The William James Investment Group. Managing Director-Investments Rick Frayard is at the helm of the River Ranch office of UBS and will join Short and Gothreaux at the head table for the program. Additional sponsorships include sustaining sponsor AT&T and supporting sponsor Acadiana Economic Development.

This year's event will be held inside the Cajundome Convention Center at noon on Thursday, June 19. Tickets are $45 per person or $395 for a premium reserved table for eight. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Robin Hebert at 337-769-8603, or send an email to robinh@theind.com.